Defending California properties from wildfire risk
Practical guidance on defensible space and fire‑smart vegetation—so homeowners, HOAs, and property managers can reduce risk where fires most often gain momentum: ground fuels, shrubs, and trees.
How wildfire reaches homes and properties
Wildfire spread is driven by wind, slope, and fuel continuity. The biggest, most fixable risks on many properties are:
- Surface fuels (dry grass, leaf litter, mulch beds)
- Ladder fuels (shrubs and low branches that carry fire upward)
- Canopy continuity (trees close enough for crown-to-crown spread)
- Ember exposure (embers accumulating in edges, corners, and fuel pockets)
Good mitigation isn’t complicated—just consistent. Start with defensible space and a seasonal maintenance rhythm.
Explore the learn hub
Why California burns differently
California wildfire risk is shaped by climate, terrain, vegetation growth, and development patterns in the Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI).
- Wet winters drive vegetation growth → summer drying turns it into available fuel
- Strong regional wind events (including Diablo winds) accelerate spread
- Expanding communities in the WUI increase exposure
- Drought stress and pest impacts increase deadwood and dieback
- Many destructive events become ember‑driven, not just an advancing flame front
Core principle
Most structures ignite from embers—not walls of flame. Prevention focuses on interrupting ignition pathways—especially surface fuels and ladder fuels near structures.
Get the checklistDefensible space starts at ground level
Defensible space reduces ignition potential and slows spread by managing fuel type, spacing, and maintenance.
Vegetation is either a barrier—or a fuse
Trees & fire risk
Structure, spacing, deadwood, and canopy continuity drive outcomes.
Read the guide →Shrubs & ladder fuels
Shrubs often ignite first and carry fire upward when unmanaged.
Read the guide →Ground cover & surface fuels
Mulch, leaf litter, and dry grass are common ignition points.
Read the guide →Seasonal readiness (simple and repeatable)
Preparedness works best as a rhythm, not a one‑time cleanup.
Spring reset
Clear winter debris, remove dead growth, update fuel breaks.
Peak season rhythm
Weekly walkthroughs, debris removal, ladder fuel checks—especially on Red Flag days.
When a fire is near
Follow official evacuation guidance early and prioritize safety.
Local guidance where risk is high
Start with our local hubs and official resource links:
The Peninsula
Vegetation and defensible-space guidance for the San Francisco Peninsula and nearby WUI communities.
Open Peninsula hub →Start with a free property wildfire risk assessment
What you’ll get
- Prioritized vegetation risks
- Ladder fuel and surface fuel red flags
- Zone-based defensible space guidance
- Clear seasonal next steps
Assessments help translate principles into practical priorities for your property.